Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Keegan, You bring up an excellent point. Because you can manage documents, spreadsheets, and more from anywhere with an internet connection, you can review and grade student work when it is convenient for you. It is also a valuable resource when organizing and storing lecture materials in the event you misplace a memory stick or other media storage device typically relied upon when transporting class materials. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Discussion Comment

Document management and media sharing

Alexandra, Sounds like you have your hands full! Teaching as many classes as you do, Google Docs or DropBox becomes an invaluable asset when managing and sharing course content. Thank you for sharing your experience with these applications which are easy to use and best of all free. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Incorporating new technologies

Alexandra, It sounds like you do a fine job of integrating active learning activities into lectures by using the clicker and assessing comprehension as the students are receiving the information. Studies do show that students test better when lectures are broken up in the manner. The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducted one such study on learning, the results can be found by following his link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2592041/ Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Technology that is relevant and successful

Bobbe, When learning PowerPoint, did you take advantage of the many videos offered on the Microsoft website or on YouTube? If not, you may want to check those out since you already feel comfortable with the platform. There is a great deal of information out there about the advanced features of PowerPoint allowing you to embed links to the internet, video, and audio- you can even save your presentation as a webpage to upload to a class website! Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Social Media Networking

Bobbe, Thank you for sharing your concerns, you bring up a great point, there is definitely a risk the conversation will go off-topic when incorporating any kind of message board component to a course. If a student has only recently been introduced to a topic, erroneous information posted by a well meaning student will confuse learners so it is advised to closely monitor such discussion and chime in as the educator and moderator in order to steer the conversation in the right direction. I do believe deep and meaningful conversation between peers does support learning, and social media tools or… >>>

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Professional Organizations

Bobbe, You bring up a fantastic point, the great rate students receive when joining a professional organization! I am happy to hear this is something you are promoting to your students. Do you find many take the initiative to enroll? Theresa Schmitt

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Simulated 3D Environments

Wendy, If you are new to incorporating technology into the classroom I would start with Skype rather than 3D because it is more user friendly. You can perhaps assign a "warm up" presentation in which the student books a brief Skype session with you prior to in-class presentations and you can provide one on one feedback before the big day. Students could also record a video(a functionality on all smartphones) and upload it to a class portal or private YouTube channel for peer feedback in preparation of in-class presentations. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Adopting blended-learning techniques

Bobbe, You bring up a great point. Teaching to the different learning styles is key if we are to grasp and hold the learners attention. Breaking up lectures and limiting the length of PowerPoints then interweaving interactive segments in which the students create something that reinforces the concepts taught is a great way to keep students focused and on topic. Are you planning on incorporating SlideShare into your lesson plan? Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Professional Organizations

Wendy, Being active in so many professional organizations is a great way to be among the first of your peers to hear about exciting competitions and courses being offered in your field. Do any of the organizations you belong to have student chapters? I believe student involvement is an important first step when training for a new profession because learners are exposed to various perspectives by professionals such as yourself- not to mention the scholarship opportunities offered by such organizations. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt

Theresa Schmitt, M.Ed.

Discussion Comment

Staying abreast of emerging technologies

Bobbe, You are taking step towards being more tech savvy by taking this course. Aside from PowerPoints, did you find anything in this course that you feel comfortable incorporating into your teaching routine? I suggest YouTube videos or perhaps a class message board to get the ball rolling. Wishing you continued success in the classroom. Theresa Schmitt